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Blessing of Animals set at three churches

Three area churches have planned Animal Blessing ceremonies for the next few weeks.

First United Methodist Church of Newnan will hold its service on Oct. 5 at 9 a.m. The service will take place in the parking lot between the sanctuary and the parish hall.

St. George Catholic Church will have a formal Blessing of Animals on Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. Father Henry Atem, pastor of St. George, will lead the Order for the Blessing of Animals at the west end of the parish parking lot, near the statue of Our Lady of Fatima.

Animal owners may bring pets and service animals for this blessing, asked through the intercession of St. Francis of Assisi, the Church’s Patron Saint of Animals, whose feast day is celebrated on Oct. 4.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will hold Blessing of the Animals on Oct 6 at 4 p.m. The St. Paul’s service will be held on the lawn near the outdoor altar.

At St. Paul’s, some chose to receive a blessing on behalf of their animals — sometimes bringing a photo of the animal with them. Names of pets who have died will also be remembered.